Botafogo vs Palmeiras Prediction: Palmeiras has one last chance to fight for the title

This is the big game of Round 31 and probably the most crucial game in the entire Brasileirão. Botafogo, the team leading the competition from the start, and Palmeiras, the defending champion and current runner-up, will meet each other. At the moment, six points separate the two sides, although Botafogo has a game in hand. The Cariocas' defeat at home to Cuiabá in the last round showed a very nervous league leader as if it felt incapable of becoming crowned champion of Brazil. The insecurity shown by the Glorioso could be fatal to its aspirations, as the more experienced Palmeiras could take advantage and re-enter the trophy fight if it wins the clash.

Thirty-two shots and no goals showed just how bad the Cariocas were in a game they couldn't afford to fail. Botafogo could have taken a significant step forward if it had beaten Cuiabá, as it would have gained more comfort going into the match with Palmeiras. As a result, the pressure on the team has increased, and doubt may begin to hang over the players' heads. In case of victory, the Lone Star team will unlikely lose the title; as it will leave behind the team it fears the most. That's just the problem: Botafogo must beat the very team it is most fearful of, reigning champion Palmeiras.

The Verdão has an excellent opportunity to get closer to Botafogo and move to within three points with seven rounds to go. The three points could indeed become six if the leader wins the overdue game in Fortaleza, but it's still close enough to put massive pressure on Botafogo. Abel Ferreira, who has won several titles for the club, will surely instill in his players a hunger to win.

This match is an absolute final where there doesn't necessarily have to be a winner. Perhaps a draw will please Botafogo a little more than Palmeiras because it could be enough to keep the Paulistas out of the title race. I'm going to bet that there will be no more than two goals scored. I think it's going to be a very tactical game, in which any team can win if they take advantage of an opponent's mistake.